{"id":62374,"date":"2024-01-12T13:39:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-12T18:39:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62374"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:15:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:15:59","slug":"pregabalin-interactions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pregabalin-interactions\/","title":{"rendered":"Pregabalin interactions to avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregabalin<\/span><\/a> (brand name <\/span>Lyrica<\/span><\/a>) is a prescription medication that is a type of anticonvulsant drug used for treating a variety of conditions, including partial-onset seizures, <\/span>fibromyalgia<\/span><\/a>, nerve pain associated with <\/span>diabetic peripheral neuropathy<\/span><\/a>, nerve pain associated with spinal cord injury, and pain following a shingles infection (postherpetic neuralgia).<\/span><\/p>\n

Pregabalin<\/span><\/a> can interact with opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sleep medications, and certain blood pressure medications, among other drug classes. Do not take pregabalin with Astepro <\/span>(azelastine)<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>olopatadine<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>orphenadrine <\/span><\/a>without consulting a healthcare professional. Pregabalin also interacts with alcohol.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s important to be aware of pregabalin interactions as other drugs can affect pregabalin’s effectiveness and cause or worsen side effects. As a medication that can cause sedation, drug interactions with pregabalin are very crucial to avoid, as increased drowsiness and dizziness can put people at risk.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Lyrica side effects and interactions and how to avoid them<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Pregabalin drug interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are a variety of prescription drugs that can interact with pregabalin, including opioids, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, antihistamines, sedatives, and certain blood pressure medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Opioids<\/span><\/h3>\n

Opioids<\/span><\/a> are prescription medications that are analgesics (pain relievers) that can slow down the central nervous system (CNS), like pregabalin. Opioids can be used to help manage pain that is typically moderate to severe rather than pain that can be managed with treatments such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Severe and potentially life-threatening drug interactions can occur if pregabalin is taken with an opioid. This drug interaction could lead to excessive depression of the central nervous system, such as respiratory depression, <\/span>hypotension<\/span><\/a> (low blood pressure), sedation, or coma.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s recommended that healthcare providers either avoid this combination or consider a dose reduction of one or both medications followed by close monitoring. There are <\/span>alternative pain relievers<\/span><\/a> that can be taken if an opioid needs to be avoided, such as <\/span>acetaminophen<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>NSAIDs <\/span><\/a>(such as <\/span>ibuprofen<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>naproxen<\/span><\/a>). It’s essential for patients and caregivers to monitor for signs and symptoms of a dangerous interaction, such as difficulty breathing, slowed breathing, other breathing problems, or excessive sedation. Seek immediate medical attention if there are signs and symptoms of this interaction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Examples of common opioids include:<\/span><\/p>\n